The next Salzberg Chemistry Seminar Series speaker will be Arsalan Mirjafari of the Department of Chemistry, SUNY Oswego. Dr. Mirjafari will discuss "(Dis)solving the World's Problems with Ionic Liquids"

Abstract: The success of gene therapy and gene vaccines hinges on the development of vectors that are effective, stable, and safe. While viral vectors exhibit high transfection efficiency, their significant toxicity concerns have spurred the search for safer alternatives. Synthetic cationic lipids have emerged as promising candidates, offering a compelling balance of efficacy and safety. For over a decade, our laboratory has focused on the rational design of lipid-like ionic liquids as a novel class of bio-inspired materials for gene delivery. These compounds, bearing long aliphatic appendages, exhibit high fluidity and amphiphilic activity—hallmark properties of synthetic lipids. Using click chemistry-mediated synthetic strategies, we incorporate a diverse array of functional groups into the structures of ionic liquids, tailoring their properties for optimal performance. Our research addresses the critical need for gene therapy vectors that combine transfection efficacy with safety. Beyond gene delivery, these versatile materials show promise in various applications, including biomolecule preservation and storage, and as energetic materials. By leveraging the unique properties of lipid-like ionic liquids, we aim to overcome the limitations of traditional vectors and pave the way for more effective and safer gene therapies and vaccines. This presentation will highlight our key findings, discuss the advantages of lipid-like ionic liquids over conventional vectors, and explore the potential impact of this technology on the future of gene therapy and vaccine development.